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Center for Nonlinear Studies |
Ultracold gases represent a unique and versatile platform for a wide range of sensing applications. Atom interferometersutilize large spatial separation of cold atomic clouds to facilitate precise measurements of accelerationsand inertial forces. The inherent atomic structure serves as a fundamental element for precise timekeeping, utilizingatomic transitions for precise time measurements. By combining both external and internal degrees of freedom,novel applications and possibilities emerge.
The advent of ultracold clouds cooled below the Doppler limit enables coherent and precise manipulation of externaldegrees of freedom. These systems play a crucial role for the investigation of tunneling phenomena, relyingon the manipulation and observation of the atomic motion. Furthermore, combining external and internal degreesof freedom provides insights into tunneling times and associated phenomena.
As promising application of quantum tunneling, we study the transmission spectrum of matter-wave Fabry-Pérotinterferometers, present their sensitivity to accelerations and discuss their applicability to gravimetry [1]. Exploringthe tunneling process, we investigate the phase difference of tunneled quantum clocks in various differential measurements.We identify relativistic contributions accumulated by a tunneled quantum clock due to time dilation andmass defect. In particular, we relate these contributions to a tunneling time and highlight the relations to conventionalapproaches [2].
[1] P. Schach, A. Friedrich, J. R. Williams,W. P. Schleich & E. Giese, Tunneling gravimetry. EPJ Quantum Technol. 9, 20(2022).
[2] P. Schach & E. Giese, A unified theory of tunneling times promoted by Ramsey clocks. Sci. Adv. 10, eadl6078 (2024